PDA Should Stand For “Pretty Deficient Attention”

Technology advancements should be measured in dog years. That is to say, the speed of change is “Mach VI with your hair on fire.” Admittedly, in terms of technological toys, I’m way behind. If my cell phone rings, I answer it. After that, it’s pretty much a crap shoot. Think: The Beverly Hillbillies meet “Matrix,” i.e. it’s pretty much a disconnect.

But, I’ll tell you what my lack of technological prowess has afforded me. I am respectful, attentive, interested, focused and engaged in other people when they are speaking. I am not distracted, inconsiderate, fidgety or RUDE when someone else is talking. Social decorum has been railroaded by your PDA and the constant flow of information. And that makes me sad.

If you’re an executive and you choose to check your e-mails or send e-mails every minute of every day, including when someone else is talking either from a podium or in front of you, then I’m speaking to you.

First of all, you’re not that important. Really, if you can’t lose connection for a few minutes while someone else is talking (who just might be able to give you some insight that you wouldn’t have gotten otherwise), then you have more ego than good manners.

Secondly, contrary to what you may think, you can always learn something new. As a sidebar, you used somebody’s money (not yours if it’s a business trip) to attend a conference. How ‘bout being a responsible adult and providing a return on somebody else’s investment?

Third, your leadership skills are in the dumper. That’s right, I said it. On every leader’s list, you’ll find the number one thing to do (or at least on the very short list of important things) is the need to professionally develop your staff. If the people who report to you always have to keep you in the loop as to what’s going on back at the ranch, then you are failing as a leader.

Fourth, your health is failing, your mind is narrowing, you have become devoid of social skills, and the respect you seek from those in your presence and those back at the shop is eroding with your every look at that handheld hellion. At the least, you’re headed to the chiropractor with a bad neck, sore thumbs and painful fingers. And if you’re an “under the table, in your lap, hiding the device guy” who thinks you’re fooling somebody, you’re even less creative than you are effective, and can add a bad back to the list of your future maladies.

You have an addiction, my friend. Admit your problem, put down the “I-this and the I-that,” turn the damn thing off and rejoin the human race as a productive, respected, polite, caring and interesting person.

This e-mail is targeted at those I love and those I don’t care for much. In either instance, don’t text me. I don’t have a handheld device and won’t be getting one any time soon, i.e. never.

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Patrick has been employed with St. Louis Community Credit Union for over 20 years. As part of a great team of credit union professionals, SLCCU has grown about 400% during
those years. The credit union emphasizes member service and is proud of helping to increase its members' standard of living. Patrick is proud to be associated with over 100 employees who have a laser-like focus on service to our members. Learn More at StLouisCommunity.com